With a Status Orange Wind Warning now in place for the North West of Ireland, Donegal is set to be hit with gale force west to northwest winds with severe and damaging gusts from 7pm tonight until 7am tomorrow morning.
The latest update from Met Éireann for the county is as follows;
Met Éireann Weather Warning – Status Orange for Donegal
“Storm Franklin will cause gale force west to northwest winds with severe and damaging gusts. These winds combined with very high seas will lead to wave overtopping, which may result in coastal flooding.
The public are reminded that “a status orange weather warning is given before expected weather conditions that could significantly impact people, property and activity in an area. People in the affected areas should prepare appropriately now for the anticipated conditions.”
In addition, a Status Yellow Rain warning remains in place for the county which is valid until 6pm this evening. Met Éireann reports that persistent rain followed by heavy showers will lead to localised flooding in places.
A Status Orange Marine warning is also in place with “Northwesterly winds to reach storm force 10 on Sunday evening and Sunday night on Irish coastal waters from Valentia to Rossan Point to Belfast Lough.” This Orange Marine warning is in place from 5pm this evening until 6am tomorrow Monday.
Gale force winds associated with Storm Franklin accompanied by persistent heavy rain will bring challenging conditions across Donegal. During this period of extended inclement weather, the public are being urged to exercise extreme caution. Avoid coastal or exposed areas, and be aware of the risk of debris, fallen trees or electricity wires.
Motorists are being asked to drive with extreme care and allow extra times for their journeys during this continued storm period.
Donegal County Council have pre-deployed sandbags in a number of high risk areas and further sandbags are in readiness if required. Roads service, Fire service and Civil Defence crews are at a heightened state of readiness in the event of local responses being required during this storm event.
The outlook for the week ahead is for this unsettled period to continue with wet and windy conditions. The public are asked to keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings and in particular any change in the status warning for their area.
Donegal County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team are keeping the approaching weather pattern under review and will continue to monitor all local conditions as Storm Eunice progresses.
Donegal County Council can be contacted during normal business hours on 074 91 53900 and in the event of an out-of-hours emergency the Council’s Road Service can be contacted on 074 91 72288. For emergencies requiring the assistance of the Fire Service call 999 or 112.
You can keep up to date on conditions by signing up for free alerts to your phone by registering at www.mapalerter.com/donegal or by following Donegal County Council on Facebook or on Twitter @DonegalCouncil.
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